Scientists have conducted tests to try to stop and reverse the ageing process. The tests were part of a joint project by Israeli universities. The researchers said the science was very simple - they used oxygen to slow down what happens to cells as they age. They used the oxygen on cells in a pressure chamber. The scientists said two processes related to ageing and illnesses slowed down. The scientists did tests on 35 adults over the age of 64 for 90 minutes a day, five times a week for three months. The study is published in the magazine "Ageing".
A professor explained how important the research is. He says the study shows that the ageing process can be reversed at the cell level. He says we may be able to stop cells from shortening. The shorter cells become, the more we age. If we can stop them getting shorter, cells will not age. The professor said: "Shortening is considered the 'Holy Grail' of the biology of ageing." Researchers are trying to develop drugs to make cells longer. The professor added: "The study gives hope, and opens the door for a lot of young scientists to target ageing as a reversible disease."